The minister recalled that the two countries’ phytosanitary services signed in December 2015 the protocols on phytosanitary requirements for supplying 5 types of grain crops from Russia to China: wheat, soy, rape, maize and rice. However, active supplies of Russian grain have not started yet.

"These protocols make it possible to partially start exports of products to China. There are a number of restrictions enshrined in the texts of the documents, including supplies in bags and supplies from a limited number of Russian regions," Tkachev said.

A source in the Agriculture Minister has told TASS that in the current situation additional work is required to amend the texts of the protocols.